“As community hubs and places of learning, schools should be healthy spaces with clean air, access to renewable energy, and be free of fossil fuels. The path to get there is through electrification.” — Serena Pelka
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is paving the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future with its recent commitment to phase out fossil fuels from district infrastructure and achieve 100% renewable energy by the end of 2024. This is a significant step in providing the safe, healthy, and clean schools that students and faculty deserve.
On April 25th, SDUSD approved a resolution that is a testament to the tireless advocacy of a coalition of students, parents, faculty, and climate and justice advocates.
SDUSD's resolution includes commitments to make new buildings all-electric, retrofit existing buildings with all-electric systems, and reach 100% renewable energy by the end of 2024 through San Diego Community Power’s Power100 program. The District will also develop a Green Jobs curriculum, ensuring students learn about career opportunities in the growing green economy. Ramping up the transition to electrify the district brings enormous benefits to communities and the climate It also improves public health by reducing indoor air pollution, protecting students and faculty from serious health risks such as asthma, heart disease, and even premature death that are linked to methane gas.
The adopted resolution moves toward a more sustainable and equitable future by centering Communities of Concern. By prioritizing investments in communities disproportionately burdened with the impacts of climate change, SDUSD is ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a cleaner and healthier future.
SDUSD is setting the standard for other school districts and jurisdictions, showing that there is no excuse to continue using dirty and toxic fossil fuels. With historic state and federal funding opportunities, this is the moment to make electrification a reality for schools and communities region-wide.
Let's celebrate this achievement and keep pushing for bold action to build a more sustainable and just world.